“I’m hopeful he’s back (before the season ends),” the manager revealed. “The timeline is gonna be what it is, when he is ready to be in games and stuff. You hope it’s as many as possible just to get those reps and kinda in the flow of things, but the body will determine all that.”

Judge is inching closer to a return from injury, and excitement in the Bronx is growing rapidly at the prospect of seeing him back with the Pinstripes. Now, it will be a matter of seeing whether he can return within the expected timeline.

Giancarlo Stanton also wants to return

Giancarlo Stanton is another player currently sidelined with the Yankees due to an injury, and Boone is hopeful of having him back on the field soon. “Just when he is in the lineup or taking rehab at bats, anything.

“He is definitely close at this point a little bit of a roster situation too. Do you wait until September 1? Those are all things we’ll see.” Stanton suffered a right calf strain and has been sidelined since late April.

What’s next for the Yankees?

The New York Yankees are currently wrapping up an away division series against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Following this road trip, they return home to Yankee Stadium for a pair of high-stakes homestands, starting with a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays (August 21–23), followed immediately by another three-game clash against the Houston Astros (August 25–27).

“I’m committed to David… we’re going to move forward. I thought we had a great trade deadline. David is smart. He knows what he’s doing. He’s very adaptable. He learns from mistakes. That’s what I want in a leader,” Cohen recently revealed to the press.

It is clear that the Mets need to take matters into their own hands, including determining Andy Green’s future with the team. With next season already in mind, it appears that Stearns has his place secured in Queens.

Stearns’ numbers with the Mets

Since taking over as the Mets’ President of Baseball Operations in October 2023, Stearns led the front office through a dramatic 2024 turnaround, orchestrating a roster that posted an 89–73 regular-season record (a 14-game improvement from 2023) and advanced all the way to the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

However, his sophomore campaign in 2025 saw a step backward as the club finished 83–79, missing the postseason by a single game. Combined across his first two full regular seasons (2024–2025), Stearns built a total record of 172–152 (.531 winning percentage) and a 6–7 playoff record with the franchise.

The challenges of adapting to MLB

This season failed to meet expectations for a team that decided to part ways with Carlos Mendoza midway through the year. The additions of Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Luke Weaver and others were not enough to turn things around, and the adjustment period may have played a key role, according to Cohen.

“It’s not easy to come to New York with a big media presence and lots of eyes on you. It’s not easy to change teams in general,” he said.

As a result, the RWR position is depleted, with Tank Dell also in the midst of recovering from a serious knee injury. Their two leading options at the moment are Nico Collins and Jaylin Noel.

Further down the depth chart, C.J. Stroud has the following options to target in the passing game: Xavier Hutchinson, Lewis Bond, Jared Wayne, Justin Watson, Treyvon Saunders, Josh Kelly, Daniel Sobkowicz, Jha’Quan Jackson, and Juwann Winfree.

High hopes were placed on Higgins

Jayden Higgins’ rookie season left the Texans feeling optimistic, with Ryans expecting to give him a more prominent role in his second year as a professional. Unfortunately, those plans will now have to be put on hold.

The former Iowa State player stood out with 41 catches, 525 receiving yards, and six touchdowns, especially after Tank Dell was sidelined by his injury. Now, Higgins will have to focus on recovering quickly, returning at 100%, and proving that he has what it takes to become an elite player.

Analyzing changes for the rest of the preseason

The Houston Texans have two more preseason games remaining to get their players ready for the start of the season. DeMeco Ryans will now have to determine how to replace Higgins on the field.

The first will take place on August 20 at home against Kirk Cousins and the Las Vegas Raiders, while they will wrap up their preseason on the road against the Carolina Panthers on Friday, August 28.

The Texans will open Week 1 against a Super Bowl contender. On September 13, NRG Stadium will be ready to host Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

“I thought he handled it well,” Harbaugh told reporters after practice. “It was kind of a similar type of a load. They’re adding reps to those; he had more reps in the team period than he had yesterday, so they’re going to keep building on that.”

When will Nabers return to full practice in a blue jersey? Harbaugh remained cautious. “I don’t know. You don’t know. It’s just day by day. Some days he might ramp it up more, and he might say, I feel great, and I want more than you had planned. And then the trainers may feel good about that, and if he does it and gets through it, then ooh, we’ve traveled more miles today than maybe they thought you would. It could go the other way, too. So, it’s just day-to-day.”

Nabers admitted that being sidelined for so long was difficult, which fueled his exceptional motivation during training camp. However, he will still need to take care of his body in the coming days to be in the best possible shape for the Week 1 opener.

Giants’ WR room undergoes changes

The arrival of Najee Harris to the Giants could lead to some changes within the WR depth chart. JuJu Smith-Schuster has fallen down the pecking order due to a knee injury, and his time in East Rutherford could be running out.

In this regard, Nabers has emerged as Jaxson Dart’s primary weapon in the passing game, with the likes of Darius Slayton and Calvin Austin III alongside him. Meanwhile, Odell Beckham Jr. has gained ground in the competition and is still pushing for a spot on the 53-man roster.

What challenges lie ahead for the Giants?

The preseason presents a valuable opportunity for teams to continue fine-tuning their players. The Giants, who opened the preseason against the Minnesota Vikings, still have two intriguing games ahead.

The first of those games will take place at Hard Rock Stadium against the Miami Dolphins next Saturday, August 22. Finally, in the New York rivalry, they will face the Jets on August 28. From there, the focus will turn entirely to their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13.

“I’ve got some scars from some hits in real games where helmets go into armpits and things, and it ruins your season,” Cousins said, via Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “So, I was just asking [Crosby] to just stay off the arm, and I had to remind the Texans as well.”

The fact that Cousins was wearing his non-contact red jersey seemed to be of little use in this case: “I might as well just take the red jersey off because you’re playing with, sometimes, an understood rule that if it’s not understood, then what are we doing?”

Preseason continues for Las Vegas

NRG Stadium will host the Las Vegas Raiders’ next preseason game, which will come against the Houston Texans. Klint Kubiak, who has several options at quarterback, revealed that he would like all of his QBs to see playing time.

“We’re going to put a plan together this week, and that’s something that we’re talking about as a coaching staff right now,” the head coach revealed to the press. “But really, whether it’s Aidan O’Connell, Kirk [Cousins], or Fernando [Mendoza], I would say all three of those guys deserve first-team reps. But we’ve got to go put a plan together on how we’re going to split them up.”

Cousins must avoid injuries

Ahead of the start of another NFL season, Kirk Cousins is 37 years old, meaning the veteran will need to take greater care of his body than ever to stay healthy and avoid injuries that could cost him his starting job. With Fernando Mendoza as his primary backup, Cousins cannot afford to leave anything to chance.

Cousins will have a strong offensive line ready to leave it all on the field to protect him. Players such as Kolton Miller, Spencer Burford, Tyler Linderbaum, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and DJ Glaze will be tasked with protecting their quarterback and limiting the number of hits he takes.

Raiders’ first challenges

In the midst of a rebuilding process under new head coach Kubiak, these are the first challenges the Raiders will face starting in Week 1 of the NFL season.

• Week 1, vs Miami Dolphins – September 13
• Week 2, at Los Angeles Chargers -September 20
• Week 3, at New Orleans Saints – September 27
• Week 4, vs Kansas City Chiefs – October 4
• Week 5, at New England Patriots – October 11

As a result, the running back is expected to miss at least a month, significantly weakening the backfield heading into the start of the season. The Saints will open their Week 1 campaign against the Detroit Lions.

This is not the first significant injury to New Orleans’ offense. Jordyn Tyson, one of the wide receivers with the most potential, suffered a hamstring injury and will also miss the start of the campaign.

Saints’ backfield alternatives

With Kamara injured, Travis Etienne Jr. will now be the top running option for Tyler Shough. The former Jacksonville Jaguars running back will serve as the RB1 and lead the Saints’ backfield in the opening games.

Behind him on the depth chart are Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, Ty Chandler, Audric Estime, and C.J. Donaldson. Moore knows that his running backs could become one of his offense’s primary weapons.

New Orleans’ next challenges

On Saturday, August 22, the Saints will visit SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2 of the preseason. They will wrap up the preseason in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, also on the road, on Friday, August 28. These will be the first five regular-season games of the season for Kellen Moore and his team.

• Week 1, at Detroit Lions – September 13
• Week 2, at Baltimore Ravens – September 20
• Week 3, vs Las Vegas Raiders – September 27
• Week 4, vs Atlanta Falcons – October 5
• Week 5, vs Minnesota Vikings – October 11

Subaru Park will host this highly anticipated matchup, which will pit the second-place team against the hosts, who currently sit 13th in the Eastern Conference. Guillermo Hoyos’ side has a great opportunity to bounce back.

The Union’s situation is completely different from that of their upcoming opponents. With just 19 points collected over 19 matches, interim head coach Ryan Richter’s side is fighting to climb out of the bottom of the standings.

Inter Miami’s potential starting XI

Inter Miami must win if they want to stay in contention for first place. Following their heavy away 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC, a team widely regarded as the best in MLS, the gap between the two teams has grown to five points.

This is the lineup Hoyos is expected to field: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Noah Allen or Maximiliano Falcon, Sergio Reguilon; Yannick Bright, Rodrigo de Paul, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi (C), Luis Suarez.

Philadelphia Union’s predicted starting XI

With the aim of securing a home win that would provide some much-needed breathing room at this stage of the season, these are the 11 players the Union are expected to field against the Herons.

Andre Blake; Frankie Westfield, Neil Pierre, Nathan Harriel, Kai Wagner; Cavan Sullivan, Jovan Lukić, Danley Jean Jacques, Indiana Vassilev; Milan Iloski, Bruno Damiani.

Two top scorers on the field

Although FC Dallas striker Petar Musa is currently the MLS leading scorer with 14 goals, two players in this matchup are close behind. Lionel Messi has scored 12 goals, while Milan Iloski has found the net 10 times so far.

The pass rusher had to be restrained by his teammates after becoming frustrated when his own quarterback grabbed him by the leg. Nix, who should be protected more carefully during practice, took a sack. Sean Payton’s team had an intense session, but the QB played down the incident.

“I love it. It’s football,” Nix said to the press. “It’s getting me ready for the games coming up. It’s a physical practice played by physical people. So it got intense and we were really enjoying it, and sometimes in the dog days of summer, practice gets long and the intensity gets high.”

Time to protect Nix

Intensity is necessary during practice, especially at this stage of the preseason. However, there is no need to put players’ health at risk, especially when it comes to the team’s biggest stars.

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was far from pleased with what happened during the latest practice. “We don’t want anyone near Bo,” the DC said regarding the altercation.

Broncos’ upcoming games

Bo Nix is expected to see game action during this stretch of preparation, with the Broncos having two interesting games ahead before the start of the regular season. On Friday, August 21, they will host the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field before wrapping up their preseason at home against the Minnesota Vikings on August 28.

This team’s Week 1 opener will be a high-profile matchup. They will visit Arrowhead on September 14, where they will face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Giants’ receiving corps is crowded, and releasing the veteran could help clear things up. However, the former Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots wide receiver is still practicing under John Harbaugh.

Moves in East Rutherford are happening on a daily basis, with the start of a new season getting closer. The head coach doesn’t want to leave anything to chance and wants to be as prepared as possible for the season opener.

Giants’ intriguing receiving corps

JuJu Smith-Schuster arrived in New York at the beginning of June, but his time in East Rutherford appears to be coming to an end. Players like Odell Beckham Jr., who have made the most of their opportunities, along with stars such as Malik Nabers, are making it difficult for John Harbaugh to find room for everyone.

Malik Nabers, Calvin Austin III, and Darius Slayton are listed as the top three options, while Malachi Fields, Braxton Berrios, and Darnell Mooney follow behind them. Further down the depth chart are OBJ, Jalin Hyatt, Dalen Cambre, Isaiah Hodgins, Ryan Miller, and Xavier Gipson.

Harris still needs to get up to speed

Harris arrives in New York with plenty of experience, but physically, he still needs to catch up with his teammates. During his press conference, John Harbaugh revealed that the running back is not yet at full strength.

“You know, he’s not back 100%. He’s not in football shape yet. So, if we are able to do something, it’ll be a process,” the head coach said. Once that moment arrives, New York’s backfield will be a force to be reckoned with for opposing defenses.

“I think we’re going to shock a lot of people this year,” the quarterback said, via JoeBucsFan.com. “And so I’m excited.” According to Mayfield himself, it’s very difficult to tune out the outside noise, although it can often be used as motivation to accomplish great things.

“You can’t avoid it,” the QB said. “The TVs [are] everywhere. Everybody’s picking us probably to have a losing record.” The Bucs will look to return to prominence after missing the playoffs last year for the first time since 2019, following a dramatic finale against the Carolina Panthers.

The motivation of starting on the road

Paycor Stadium will be the setting for the first major test for a Bucs team looking to start the season on the right foot. There, Baker Mayfield and his teammates will face the Cincinnati Bengals, and while it could be a challenging matchup, playing on the road provides extra motivation for the QB.

”You’re with your guys, and it’s just the Bucs against everybody else in that city you’re going to, and so I think it’s a good opportunity for us against the Bengals,” Mayfield also added.

A tough schedule ahead for the Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face a challenging season ahead, with trips to stadiums where the home crowd tends to make its presence felt. Among the toughest road games are visits to the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears.

Not only that, but Raymond James Stadium will also host opponents who can easily be considered contenders. Among them are the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers.

The backfield’s main centerpiece is Cam Skattebo, who is making a strong recovery from a serious injury. Behind him is Tyrone Tracy Jr., while Devin Singletary is currently the third option.

John Harbaugh also has Eric Gray and Damon Bankston as options if needed. Harris brings his experience to New York, on a team expected to be a contender starting in Week 1.

Harris’ last major injury

On September 21, 2025, Harris suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon on a non-contact play during a Week 3 game against the Denver Broncos. The severe injury required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the 2025 season after appearing in just three games playing for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Now with the Giants, the former Alabama Crimson Tide player emerges as one of the team’s most accomplished running backs. If he stays healthy, he will undoubtedly be a great asset for Jaxson Dart.

Skattebo remains the first option

Cam Skattebo plans to improve a specific aspect of his game, which he said will be to “run through people instead of around them.” This warning to his opponents shows the level of optimism surrounding the RB heading into next season.

These words reflect the level of confidence Skattebo has in becoming one of Dart’s main weapons starting in Week 1. Avoiding injuries will be key, and from there, the Giants’ offense could impose its will against any opponent.

“Felt good the next day, and I should be throwing another bullpen tomorrow, assuming everything feels good,” he said after Dodgers’ 11-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Dave Roberts can be hopeful about getting his biggest star back at full strength.

The Dodgers’ offensive struggles have been a concern for the manager during this stretch of the season. Now that Ohtani appears to be getting back to full strength, the future looks promising.

Elite pitching rotation for the Dodgers

At full strength, it’s clear that the Dodgers have one of the most formidable pitching rotations in the league. Alongside Ohtani, they have Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal, two elite pitchers in MLB.

In addition, despite dealing with various injuries, Dave Roberts has more options at his disposal. Blake Snell is back after missing an extended period, while Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone are working their way back through rehab assignments in the minor leagues. Meanwhile, Justin Wrobleski was recently added to the injured list.

Ohtani’s numbers on the mound

In 14 starts across 85.2 innings of work on the mound in 2026, Shohei Ohtani has posted an impressive 8–2 record alongside a dominant 1.79 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. Armed with elite strikeout metrics—highlighted by 95 strikeouts (9.98 K/9) against just 26 walks—his overall pitching contributions have been worth roughly 3.0 WAR, anchoring the Dodgers’ rotation with true frontline performance.

The relief came when the coach himself added that Hall will be available to the coaching staff for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. The Jets will visit the Tennessee Titans in that game.

Hall initially suffered a strained groin, but ultimately, the injury was not as serious as initially feared. One of the most explosive RBs in the AFC, he is one of Aaron Glenn’s primary weapons in the ground game.

Geno Smith needs Hall at 100%

The AFC East has the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills as the main contenders, so winning the division will require having the entire roster at full strength. Geno Smith will look to Breece Hall as his primary weapon in the running game, and his recovery is a must for Week 1.

During his last season in the Big Apple, Hall recorded 243 carries for 1,065 rushing yards. He totaled four touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Can he improve those numbers in 2026?

The Jets’ backfield

Aaron Glenn can’t take anything for granted, especially when it comes to the health of his players. In the event that Hall suffers a setback with his injury during the season, these are the options the Jets have in the running game.

• Braelon Allen
• Isaiah Davis
• Kene Nwangwu
• Chip Trayanum
• Sam Scott

What’s next for the Jets?

This team has two more preseason games remaining before the start of the 2026 NFL season. First, they will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium next Friday, August 21, while they will wrap up their preparation in the classic New York matchup against the Giants on August 28 at MetLife Stadium.

“My soul’s been dead for so long just being away and knowing what I could’ve accomplished, knowing where I was before this happened. Every tear, every talk with the family, every down day… it just kept that in the back of my head to continue,” Nabers said during his press conference.

One of the most important wide receivers in the NFC also spoke about his chances of being on the field in Week 1: “The most important thing is my health. The most important thing is just completing every milestone that they have in front of me, giving good effort, continuing to come out here and be a great teammate to my teammates.”

Returning from a serious injury

Returning from a serious injury requires a lot of caution, especially in a league as physical as the NFL. Malik Nabers knows this, which is why he does not want to rush the process. He needs to protect his body during this stage of the preseason in order to, in some way, be available to John Harbaugh in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.

In late September 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Nabers suffered a torn ACL and a meniscus tear in his right knee, forcing him to undergo surgery and, understandably, miss the entire season. Now, the WR has already seen action alongside his Giants teammates and is hopeful of returning to his old self.

The leader of the receiving corps in New York

Malik Nabers is undoubtedly the top player in the Giants’ receiving corps, a group that boasts both depth and talent. Among them, Odell Beckham Jr. is looking to make the most of his opportunities, along with rookie Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Austin III.

“It’s my expectation that he returns to the front office,” Stearns said during his press conference regarding Green returning to player development role. “I think he’s done a great job here. It helps that he had that familiarity with some of those players that have come through our system.”

Green has taken the team on his shoulders since taking over in Queens. With the Mets sitting last in the NL East, it may be a matter of starting fresh and seeing what the future holds for the franchise next season.

Are there candidates to take over the Mets in 2027?

While there are still several games left to be played before this season comes to an end, the truth is that the Mets have already shifted their focus, in some ways, toward what lies ahead. And, as a main priority, they will need to determine who could take over as manager in Queens.

One of the names emerging as a leading candidate to take over the job in 2027 is Hall of Famer Carlos Beltran, who currently serves as a special assistant to David Stearns. It will be a matter of waiting until the end of the season to see who will ultimately be chosen.

Green improved on Mendoza’s numbers

Andy Green has somehow managed to turn around the Mets’ season after what had been a very difficult stretch under Carlos Mendoza. The interim manager currently has a 22-22 record, while Mendoza had a 34-47 record at the time of his firing.

What’s next for the Mets?

The New York Mets host the San Diego Padres at Citi Field through August 19 before heading out for a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field from August 21 to 23. Afterwards, they return to Queens to open a three-game home stand against the Milwaukee Brewers starting August 25.

“So that’s the goal right now, is to look at potentially playing [Lawrence] a little Friday night,” the head coach said to the reporters. “You just look at the amount of padded days that we actually have left until the game week and it’s very few and far between. So, you set a schedule, you set it, and you’re like, well, timing and circumstances, things change and when you have to pivot a little bit.

“I think we need a little bit more work in terms of coming off of the Saints joint [practice] and the Saints game, I think we just need a little bit more padded work against each other, good on good.”

Once again, Trevor Lawrence will be the one leading the Jaguars, as the team looks to return to the top of the AFC South. Duval is putting their faith in their quarterback to lead the franchise to the next Super Bowl.

Travis Hunter is back on track

Versatile Travis Hunter wants to be at 100% for Liam Coen from Week 1, and his latest practice was a clear sign of that. He took the majority of his snaps on the defensive side of the ball, something he said was beneficial for him.

“It was definitely beneficial. I needed to knock the rust off, like I said earlier. I’ve got to get better somehow, somewhere,” Hunter said after practice. “So, I definitely took my time to hone in on one today and that was defense. Get better, get my feet up under me. Can’t let anybody catch the ball, so that’s my motto right now, just continue to focus and get better.”

What’s next for the Jaguars

Following their matchup against Carolina, Lawrence and his Jaguars will close out their preseason slate at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 28. This final tune-up at EverBank Stadium will serve as the last opportunity to iron out the roster and finalize depth charts before transition into full regular-season mode.

Just over two weeks later, Jacksonville officially kicks off its 2026 campaign right back on home turf, welcoming the Cleveland Browns for their Week 1 opener on September 13.

“I say this because it’s just been four or five, six weeks of below average production in our offense. It’s just the truth, and I think we have just haven’t played clean baseball for quite some time, and that speaks to the defense,” Roberts said to the press after losing vs Milwaukee Brewers.

With 37 games separating the Dodgers from another postseason appearance, it is clear that they need to improve significantly to be considered serious contenders. Can Roberts turn things around in the short term?

Offensive production on the decline

During August 2026, the Dodgers faced a notable offensive slump, generating an August record of just 5–11 and seeing their team wRC+ drop to 93 in the second half of the season. Throughout this stretch, the lineup struggled with a .237 team batting average and a .672 team OPS, averaging merely 3.2 runs per game during their roughest span.

Kyle Tucker has struggled to meet expectations with his second-half wRC+ dipping to 97, while Mookie Betts has endured a brutal cold streak fueled by an uncharacteristically low .231 BABIP. Meanwhile, Freddie Freeman has suffered an extended power outage with a total lack of extra-base hits in key situations, and Shohei Ohtani has seen his run-producing impact severely limited as opposing pitchers continually work around him without protection behind him in the order.

Home-field advantage in jeopardy for Los Angeles

The Dodgers’ recent skid has placed their postseason home-field advantage in serious jeopardy. After dropping three of four to the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles now trails Milwaukee by three games for the National League’s top record while also losing the tiebreaker edge to them.

Amid a dismal stretch over their last 16 games, the defending back-to-back champions have limped to an 18–21 mark since July 1, rapidly fading in the race for home-field positioning.

This gives John Harbaugh a variety of styles at the signal-caller position: Jaxson Dart as the main figure, with three experienced players behind him — Jameis Winston, Brandon Allen, who joined from the Tennessee Titans, and the recently mentioned Jake Haener.

The Giants know this will be a highly competitive season, both physically and in terms of talent. Haener’s arrival provides a boost not only to the team’s morale but also an interesting alternative on the depth chart.

Jake Haener’s NFL journey

Selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round (127th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Fresno State, Jake Haener has served primarily as a backup in New Orleans. After sitting out his rookie campaign due to a suspension, Haener made his league debut in 2024, appearing in eight games with one start.

Over his NFL career, he has completed 18 of 39 passes (46.2%) for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while adding 22 rushing yards on 11 carries. He will now look to gain valuable experience upon his arrival in East Rutherford, joining a team with serious aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl.

More new faces in New York?

The New York Giants continue their pursuit of building a competitive roster, and the backfield is clearly an area they are looking to strengthen. NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that Najee Harris visited the G-Men’s facilities, making a potential move to New York a possibility.

“I’ll say this about Drew and really the whole room, their abilities physically fit in the offense… As we get into this spot in camp, we need to really hone in on specifically concepts… Drew can play through anything that we’ve asked him to do conceptually,” McCarthy said during his Sunday media availability.

Drew Allar is currently behind in the depth chart, although his talent could help him move up the rankings as the weeks go by. He will have to compete with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard to see if he can eventually earn a chance to become A-Rod’s primary backup.

How did Drew Allar perform against the Packers?

In his NFL preseason debut against the Green Bay Packers, Drew Allar delivered a standout performance to spark a 28-9 victory. Operating with high composure in Mike McCarthy’s offense, the third-round pick out of Penn State completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by a explosive 74-yard catch-and-run to Kaden Wetjen.

Allar also showcased his dual-threat ability by adding a 3-yard rushing touchdown, capping off a flawless outing where he accounted for three total scores.

McCarthy needs options in his QB room

Drew Allar provides Mike McCarthy with the ideal insurance policy and developmental quarterback to stabilize Pittsburgh’s long-term signal-caller strategy. With Aaron Rodgers entering his age-42 season, managing the workload of a veteran quarterback becomes paramount, especially given the inherent risk of mid-season injuries or physical decline.

Rather than forcing McCarthy to scale down his playbook for a backup, Allar brings elite arm strength, a 6-foot-5 frame, and the processing power to digest McCarthy’s full West Coast offensive installation without dropping off conceptually.

His ability to step in immediately—demonstrated by his multi-touchdown preseason debut—ensures the offense remains functional if Rodgers misses time, while simultaneously positioning Allar as the clear quarterback of the future once Rodgers eventually retires.

“I don’t think it was a big deal,” the head coach said via ESPN‘s Rich Cimini. While many were concerned about the running back’s situation, it appears that the injury is not considered serious.

The Jets will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Friday, August 21, and Hall’s availability for the game is now in doubt. With no official confirmation yet, it remains to be seen what steps the team will take regarding his recovery.

The importance of Hall to the Jets

As the focal point of the New York Jets‘ offense, Hall firmly established himself as a true three-down workhorse during the 2025 season, logging 1,065 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 243 carries (4.4 YPC), alongside 36 receptions for 350 receiving yards and a touchdown. Looking ahead to the upcoming campaign, Hall’s influence in the backfield is expected to expand even further under veteran quarterback Geno Smith.

With Smith providing steady pre-snap reads, high passing accuracy, and deep-pocket experience, defenses will no longer be able to stack the box with impunity. This balanced aerial threat should open up cleaner running lanes for Hall, while allowing him to serve as an invaluable safety valve and dual-threat weapon in high-leverage passing situations.

New York Jets’ next challenges

Following their clash with the Steelers, Aaron Glenn‘s Jets are primed to put the finishing touches on their summer prep when they will prepare for a cross-town preseason showdown against the New York Giants on August 28. That final dress rehearsal will give Glenn one last opportunity to fine-tune scheme chemistry and tighten up execution before shifting full focus to the games that matter.

All eyes then turn on September 13, when New York hits the road for a high-stakes Week 1 opener against the Tennessee Titans—a crucial early-season test to set the tone for the campaign.

“They were the first team to contact me, like a week before training camp. It just seemed right to me. I live here in the offseason, my mom and dad are here, my kids are here. I’ve always had blue in my heart since I was a little boy, I always paid attention to the Dallas Cowboys,” he said on The Night Cap Show.

“My earliest memory of football includes the Dallas Cowboys. I heard my daddy screaming in the back and I ran back there to see what was going on, and he was screaming because the Dallas Cowboys had scored a touchdown. That’s my earliest memory of football, and to be back home, it’s a dream within a dream.”

A major upgrade in Dallas

With Von Miller joining the pass-rush rotation, the Dallas Cowboys’ defense adds a elite veteran edge rusher to close out games. Operating under a base system that frequently shifts between 4-3 and 3-4 fronts, the starting unit features a heavily revamped front seven led by Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark at defensive tackle, with Rashan Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku anchoring the primary edge roles alongside Miller in high-leverage passing situations.

DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters command the interior at linebacker, while a secondary anchored by DaRon Bland and Cobie Durant at cornerback is backed by safety Malik Hooker and star rookie Caleb Downs roaming in high-coverage packages.

Von Miller’s pedigree

Throughout a storied 14-season NFL career spanning stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Commanders, Von Miller has established himself as one of the premier edge rushers of his generation, accumulating 138.5 career sacks.

Demonstrating remarkable efficiency late in his career, Miller logged nine sacks last season in Washington despite taking just 37 percent of the team’s defensive snaps—marking his highest single-season sack total since 2021. “I can still walk in at 8-10 sacks now. That’s just walking in,” Miller said. “I’m going to have opportunities to do it.”

“I heard something that made me have my eyes on the wrong side,” the running back said, via Newsday. “That was really it. I have to get my eyes right and block the guy. I did it two plays earlier. But on that play I heard an alert to the other side, so I had my eyes to the left instead of the right.”

From now on, it will be up to Tracy Jr. to be more attentive and avoid these types of mistakes, which could put his QB’s health at risk. “There isn’t really anything I can do at that point besides apologize and tell him it isn’t going to happen again, which it won’t. I don’t have many of those on my film pass-blocking-wise. It ain’t going to happen again.”

Jaxson Dart’s history of hits

During his rookie season, Jaxson Dart was evaluated in the blue medical tent for potential concussions a total of five times due to his physical, high-contact play style. However, he was officially diagnosed with a concussion only once, which occurred following a hit in Week 10 against the Chicago Bears.

That official diagnosis forced him into the league’s multi-step concussion protocol, causing him to miss two games against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions before clearing protocol and returning to the starting lineup for Week 13.

A key protection for the Giants

During the 2026 NFL season, keeping Jaxson Dart healthy in the pocket relies heavily on a revamped and physical New York Giants offensive line. Anchored by veteran left tackle Andrew Thomas, who guards Dart’s blind side, the unit also features left guard Jon Runyan Jr. and center John Michael Schmitz Jr. maintaining a clean interior pocket.

On the right edge, veteran tackle Jermaine Eluemunor delivers steady pass protection, while the guard position remains focused on walling off interior pass rushers. Together, this core serves as the primary line of defense, aiming to drastically reduce the heavy hits Dart absorbs and ensure he stays healthy on the field.

The importance of running back blocking

Beyond the offensive line, pass protection from the backfield is vital to keeping Dart upright and out of harm’s way. Physical, hard-hitting running backs like Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo provide the Giants with an essential secondary wall against blitzing linebackers and free rushers.

Skattebo’s high-energy, bowling-ball style allows him to step up into the A-gap and absorb heavy interior collisions, while Tracy’s combination of size and athletic transformation from receiver gives him the versatility to read blitz packages and pick up edge rushers.

“I felt good. I feel good being out there,” OBJ said to the press after the game. “I feel when you see the tape or at practice, I’m getting open. But at the end of the day, a receiver, I always talk about this, it’s the most selfless position on the field.

“You wait around all game for everybody to do their job just for five opportunities maybe. So when they do come their way, you’ve got to make the most of them. Today it was light. We’ll see what happens.”

The Giants’ wide receiver corps is one of the deepest and most competitive in the NFC. It remains to be seen whether Beckham Jr. can earn one of the coveted roster spots and be with the G-Men in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Harbaugh praises OBJ’s effort

John Harbaugh will soon face the difficult task of deciding which players will be available for the Giants’ season opener. While he has praised Odell Beckham Jr.’s effort and attitude throughout the offseason, nothing is guaranteed for OBJ at the end of the day.

“I love him Odell. What he’s doing, what he’s fighting for, you know, I don’t know how it’s going to turn out. It’s going to turn out the way it turns out, you know, based on what happens. But to see his fight, his determination, his humility,” the head coach said during his press conference.

OBJ’s numbers vs Vikings

In the New York Giants‘ 13–10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Odell Beckham Jr. made his long-awaited return to MetLife Stadium, finishing with two receptions on three targets for six yards. Playing with the second unit into the fourth quarter, OBJ drew loud applause from the crowd and showed strong route running, though missed opportunities and overthrown passes from backup quarterbacks limited his final stat line.

What’s next for the Giants?

Following their preseason opener against Minnesota, the G-Men have two remaining exhibition games before kicking off the 2026 regular season. They will first hit the road to visit the Miami Dolphins on August 22, followed by their annual crosstown matchup against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on August 28.

These final tune-ups will be crucial for finalizing roster spots and establishing momentum ahead of their Week 1 divisional clash at home against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13.

The manager also added that the process will begin Tuesday, and Bellinger could be activated as soon as next weekend. The return of one of the Pinstripes’ key figures is slowly becoming a reality.

This is a crucial moment for the Yankees, as they look to keep pace in the AL East. With an uncertain timeline for Aaron Judge’s return, having Bellinger back in the lineup could be extremely important for the team.

The Yankees need Cody Bellinger back

Before going down with a leg injury in late July, Cody Bellinger was putting together a solid 2026 campaign, batting .259 with 11 home runs, 53 RBIs, 97 hits, and 10 stolen bases across 102 games. As the postseason push intensifies, his impending return can’t come soon enough for the lineup.

His elite positional versatility across all three outfield spots and first base—paired with his proven clutch hitting and championship experience—provides the essential balance, defensive stability, and middle-of-the-order presence this club desperately needs to navigate the stretch run.

The next challenges for New York

Starting August 16, 2026, the New York Yankees kick off a crucial stretch in the American League East with three pivotal upcoming series. After closing out their visit to Toronto this Sunday, the Yankees head to Oriole Park at Camden Yards to face the Baltimore Orioles from August 18 to 20.

They will then return home to Yankee Stadium to host the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series from August 21 to 23, followed by a high-stakes three-game homestand against the Houston Astros from August 25 to 27.

What is Clarke Schmidt’s current status?

Aaron Boone recently addressed Clarke Schmidt’s status, expressing hope that the right-hander will be back on the mound in the coming days. The update offers a reason for optimism for the Pinstripes as Schmidt continues his recovery.

“What’d I see? The right read, just slipped. It was the right read, it just slipped,” Sanders said to the press. “That’s what makes me mad a little bit. But any decision I make, I know is the right decision, I just didn’t execute the decision, but the right decision was made. So every day I look at my decision making. How’s my decision-making? That’s how I grade myself.

“Obviously turning the ball over is not great and I won’t survive a long time in the league doing that, but as long as my eyes and my feet and everything were in the right place, being able to execute, it just may happen.”

The quarterback battle in the Dawg Pound is intensifying at this stage of the preseason, with Deshaun Watson emerging as Sanders’ primary competition. Every small mistake could prove decisive in the head coach’s final decision.

A tough debut for Shedeur

In the Cleveland Browns‘ 34–10 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears, Shedeur Sanders played through the third quarter and into the fourth, finishing 6-of-11 for 79 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.

His outing featured early big plays—including a 24-yard completion to Gage Larvadain and a 35-yard pass to Luke Floriea—but faltered late with multiple tipped passes at the line, a fumbled snap, and an Fourth-quarter interception, posting a 39.6 passer rating overall.

More tests ahead for Sanders and Watson

The Dawg Pound will round out their exhibition slate with home matchups against the Buffalo Bills on August 22 and the New England Patriots on August 27, before officially kicking off the regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 13.

Heading into these final tune-ups, Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders remain locked in a heated battle to prove to new head coach Todd Monken that they deserve the starting quarterback job. With final roster cuts looming, both signal-callers must maximize their remaining preseason reps to solidify Monken’s confidence for Week 1.

“He’s put himself in a position to be able to say yes or no,” the Rams head coach told the Times. “I think he’s earned that right to have clarity on that. We’re not at that point quite yet.”

McVay also added that he doesn’t want to “put some sort of invisible deadline on something that doesn’t exist in my mind,” while emphasizing that he feels very good about his current roster. “I feel great about our football team as it currently stands, and I know he’ll add value if he decides to come.“

Donald, a Rams legend

Widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, Aaron Donald built a legendary 10-year career spent entirely with the Rams franchise. A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (tied for the most in league history alongside Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt), Donald earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and eight First-Team All-Pro honors while commanding double teams every single week.

Beyond his career total of 111 sacks, he set the single-season record for sacks by an interior defensive lineman with 20.5 in 2018. He capped off his iconic legacy as a Super Bowl LVI champion, delivering the game-clinching pressure against the Cincinnati Bengals to cement his status as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Garrett is the new leader of the defense

Following Donald’s retirement, the arrival of two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett marked a seismic addition to Sean McVay’s team. As one of the most dominant pass rushers in football—coming off a record-setting 23-sack season—Garrett brings elite edge pressure and disruptive presence that instantly alters how opposing offenses scheme against L.A.

Working alongside defensive coordinator Chris Shula, McVay gains a game-changing anchor who demands double teams on nearly every snap, reshaping the math on the field and establishing a terrifying new standard for the Rams‘ defensive unit.

The “After Hours Til Dawn” tour will occupy the stadium from August 14 to 19, forcing this traditional fixture to move to a different venue on this occasion. However, this is not the first time this has happened.

As a recent example, in 2022, Leicester’s King Power Stadium hosted the match because Wembley Stadium was being used for the UEFA Women’s Euros final. In 2012, Villa Park also served as the venue for the FA Community Shield due to the London 2012 Olympic Games, which made the traditional venue unavailable.

The most recent FA Community Shield final

The 2025 FA Community Shield was contested between Premier League champions Liverpool and FA Cup winners Crystal Palace on August 10, 2025, at Wembley Stadium. After a thrilling 2–2 draw in regulation time, where Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong scored for Liverpool while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaïla Sarr responded for Palace, the match went straight to a penalty shootout.

Crystal Palace ultimately prevailed 3–2 on penalties, with Justin Devenny converting the decisive spot-kick to secure the Eagles’ first-ever FA Community Shield trophy.

The first trophy of the season

To kick off the 2026–27 campaign, reigning Premier League champions Arsenal will battle Manchester City for the season’s first piece of silverware in the FA Community Shield. While Mikel Arteta’s Gunners aim to extend their strong record in this traditional curtain-raiser, Manchester City enter the match under the guidance of a new manager Enzo Maresca, marking a fresh tactical era as both English giants pursue early momentum.

The stadium has an approximate capacity of 74,500 spectators, and a sold-out crowd is expected, with supporters of both the Gunners and the Citizens filling the stands. The venue is normally used by the Welsh rugby and football national teams.

Between 2001 and 2006, Wembley Stadium was demolished and rebuilt, so the FA Community Shield matches were moved to the Principality Stadium. Now, 20 years later, the trophy will once again be contested there.

Arsenal hold the advantage over City in the FA Community Shield

Arsenal and Manchester City have faced each other three times in the FA Community Shield, with the Gunners holding a perfect record by lifting the trophy on all three occasions. Their first encounter dates back to 1934, when Arsenal secured a dominant 4–0 victory at Highbury.

Decades later, they met again at Wembley Stadium in 2014, where Arsenal claimed a comfortable 3–0 win with goals from Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, and Olivier Giroud. Their most recent clash took place in 2023, when Leandro Trossard’s dramatic 101st-minute equalizer canceled out Cole Palmer’s opener, sending the match to a penalty shootout that Arsenal won 4–1.

The most successful team

When it comes to overall FA Community Shield success, Manchester United lead the all-time standings with 21 titles. Arsenal sit firmly in second place as one of the competition’s most dominant sides with 17 trophies, boasting an exceptional track record that includes three head-to-head victories over Manchester City.

By contrast, the Citizens lag considerably behind with 7 titles, reflecting the dramatic historical gap between both clubs in England’s traditional season-opener.

“He came in yesterday a little bit more sore than he left. He was in great spirits even yesterday… but we’ll keep him out this week as we just let it heal,” the head coach said during his press conference. “So, a little bit more sore than what we were anticipating.”

On August 22, the Cardinals will host the Dallas Cowboys at State Farm Stadium in the Week 2 preseason matchup. It will be a matter of seeing how Love ultimately recovers to determine his availability for this game.

Love’s big Preseason debut in Arizona

In the Arizona Cardinals’ 27-14 preseason victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, Jeremiyah Love delivered an impressive opening performance. Love finished with 11 carries for 58 yards while adding three receptions for 14 yards, displaying the versatility that could make him an important piece of the offense.

His dynamic dual-threat ability out of the backfield provided a strong first look at how his playmaking skill set fits into Arizona’s dynamic system. “The whole day, I was trying to get the right mindset,” Love said after the game. “I was just happy and excited to go out there with my guys. This time in shoulder pads and uniform, while representing the Cardinals.”

The Cardinals’ interesting backfield

Love was selected with the third overall pick in the most recent draft to become Arizona’s primary rushing weapon, whether the quarterback is Jacoby Brissett or Carson Beck. However, several other high-caliber names round out this running back room.

• Tyler Allgeier
• James Conner
• Trey Benson
• Corey Kiner
• Bam Knight
• Evan Hull

What’s next for Arizona?

The Arizona Cardinals will return home to host America’s Team for their Week 2 preseason matchup on Saturday, August 22 at State Farm Stadium. They will then close out their exhibition schedule on the road in Week 3, traveling to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers on Friday, August 28.

That said, Guerrero will unfortunately miss six games with his teammates: the final two games of this weekend’s series against the Yankees, the entire series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, and the series opener against the Bronx Bombers at Yankee Stadium.

Every win is crucial at this stage of the MLB season. The Blue Jays sit fourth in the AL East and need all of their top stars at full strength if they want to secure a spot in the postseason.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s impact on the Blue Jays

Throughout the 2026 season, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has posted a .263 batting average with 113 hits, 7 home runs, and 46 RBIs in 430 at-bats. However, after being forced to leave the game against the Yankees following an accidental blow to the head with George Lombard Jr., his presence will be sorely missed this week.

As the Blue Jays navigate a critical stretch of divisional matchups, missing Guerrero’s middle-of-the-order bat and defensive presence at first base leaves a massive hole in Toronto’s lineup at a vital juncture of the season.

Replacing Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. unavailable to play this week, manager John Schneider has a few internal options to plug the hole at first base. Spencer Horwitz stands out as the primary and most natural candidate to take over the reps, given his experience and offensive profile.

Schneider could also rely on younger internal options like Charles McAdoo to shuffle his utility players to maintain defensive stability. Mix-and-matching these lineups will be essential for Toronto as they attempt to sustain offensive production through a high-stakes stretch of divisional play.

Greg Joyce of The New York Post also made it clear that Judge’s recovery process is progressing as expected: “Still has a ways to go in building up to full baseball activities, but he has now at least started that process.”

The Bronx Bombers are looking to step on the gas down the final stretch of the MLB regular season and enter the postseason in the best possible shape. Can they have No. 99 back in the lineup soon?

Aaron Boone misses Aaron Judge on the field

Before being sidelined with a stress fracture in his right rib, Aaron Judge was putting together another strong campaign for the Yankees, posting a .248 batting average, 17 home runs, and 38 RBIs across 214 at-bats. However, the team’s offensive production has plummeted since losing its captain’s presence at the plate.

Without Judge’s elite power and ability to drive in runs, the Yankees’ lineup has struggled to generate run support, forcing the pitching staff into low-scoring games as overall team statistics and scoring averages have taken a noticeable hit down the stretch.

What’s next for the Yankees?

Starting August 15, manager Aaron Boone and the New York Yankees face a crucial stretch of divisional and high-stakes matchups. They first wrap up their road series in Canada against the Toronto Blue Jays (August 15–16) at Rogers Centre, followed immediately by a three-game divisional clash on the road against the Baltimore Orioles (August 18–20) at Camden Yards.

Returning home to the Bronx, Boone‘s squad will then launch a nine-game homestand beginning with a rematch series against the Toronto Blue Jays (August 21–23) at Yankee Stadium.

According to Senior Team Reporter Matt McMullen, the rest of the Chiefs’ quarterback room will handle the snaps: Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun. Recently, Reid himself addressed Mahomes’ situation: “I don’t know if I’ll play him the second or third game, I don’t know that, but the percentages likely lean against doing that.”

The head coach also added: “We’ve got new people in those other positions behind him that need some work, and so the more reps they get, the better.“ It is clear that the main goal is for No. 15 to be fully healthy and ready for Week 1.

What is Patrick Mahomes’ status?

Patrick Mahomes has made remarkable progress following the serious left knee injury he suffered late in the 2025 regular season. After tearing both his ACL and LCL, the quarterback underwent successful reconstructive surgery in December and spent the offseason undergoing intense, rigorous rehabilitation to regain full strength and mobility.

Now fully cleared for football activities without restrictions, the star signal-caller is entering the new season with immense confidence. Addressing his status during training camp, Mahomes provided significant injury update on his knee: ‘It feels great’, bringing huge relief to the team and reassuring fans that he is ready to play at an elite level once again.

Chiefs’ 2026 NFL Preseason games

Following their opening game against the Los Angeles Rams, the Kansas City Chiefs will continue their preseason preparation on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 22 for Week 2, before wrapping up the exhibition schedule at home against the Seattle Seahawks on August 28. With the tune-up games behind them, the Chiefs will kick off the 2026 NFL regular season at Arrowhead Stadium in a Week 1 divisional clash against the Denver Broncos.

“Everybody that’s healthy is going to be playing out there on Saturday,” the head coach Joe Brady said Thursday during his press conference regarding Allen‘s status. Number 17 is the team’s biggest star, and his health will allow him to play several snaps.

ESPN and National NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe revealed on X the latest on Bryce Young’s status for this matchup in Orchard Park: “Bryce Young will plan 10-15 snaps today with starters. He’s having his best training camp as a pro, per multiple Panthers contacts.”

With Allen as the top star

Heading into the 2026 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills are determined to maintain their reign as top contenders in the AFC East, driven by the elite leadership and dual-threat prowess of superstar quarterback Josh Allen. Coming off a strong 2025 campaign where they posted an impressive 12-5 record, Buffalo remains focused on making another deep playoff run.

As they fine-tune their roster, the Bills will build momentum through their upcoming preseason matchups, traveling to face the Cleveland Browns on August 22 before returning home to host the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 27.

Carolina looks to pull off an upset

Building off an 8-9 finish in 2025 that saw them capture the NFC South title, the Carolina Panthers enter this campaign all-in on Bryce Young as their centerpiece to elevate the offense to the next level.

While the young franchise quarterback anchors their aspirations, Carolina is working through preseason adjustments—including navigating a hamstring injury sustained by Haynes King against the Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game—as they tune up in remaining exhibition matchups at the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 21 and home against the Houston Texans on August 28.

“The expectation is that Jaxson Dart and most of the Giants starters play Saturday vs. the Vikings,” ESPN‘s Jordan Raanan revealed on X. “Don’t think it will be for long but coach John Harbaugh said the other day he values first-team reps.”

ESPN insider Dan Graziano also addressed the situation surrounding newly acquired Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray: “Kyler Murray is going to start against the Giants.”

According to the Vikings’ official website, head coach Kevin O’Connell plans to use both Murray and J.J. McCarthy, while also leaving open the possibility of giving Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer some snaps during the preseason.

The expectations surrounding Jaxson Dart

Heading into his sophomore campaign in 2026, Jaxson Dart will look to build on a promising rookie season with the New York Giants and take a significant leap as a passer. In 2025, Dart completed 216 of 339 passes (63.7%) for 2,272 yards, throwing 15 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions for a solid 91.7 passer rating, while also adding 487 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground across 14 games (12 starts).

To elevate his game, the young signal-caller aims to sharpen his deep-ball accuracy, improve efficiency from the pocket, and leverage his dual-threat abilities to establish himself as a true franchise quarterback. Dart shares the quarterback room with Jameis Winston and Brandon Allen.

Vikings’ interesting QB room

Minnesota boasts one of the most compelling quarterback situations in the NFL, featuring a deep blend of high-upside youth and proven veteran talent. Head coach Kevin O’Connell faces a massive fork in the road this offseason, with a big decision on starting QB job between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray that will define the franchise’s trajectory.

Adding to the intrigue, the Vikings also have experienced backup Carson Wentz to provide reliable insurance, alongside young depth piece Max Brosmer. Balancing top-tier starter potential with such seasoned depth gives Minnesota an enviable dilemma and plenty of drama heading into training camp.

The Argentine star recently suffered the loss of his father, Jorge, and made his return to the pitch in Miami’s most recent Leagues Cup match against Club Leon. However, Hoyos spoke about “silence” as part of Messi’s recovery process, but Messi is going to be a starter against Nashville.

Messi is confirmed to start; this is Inter Miami’s starting lineup for the match against Nashville SC. Dayne St. Clair; Noah Allen, Sergio Reguilon, Gonzalo Lujan, Ian Fray; Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.

Inter Miami and Nashville SC face off once again

The upcoming clash marks the 22nd all-time meeting between Inter Miami and Nashville SC. The Herons hold the upper hand in the historic series with 10 victories to Nashville’s five, along with six draws. Coming off a strong recent stretch that includes a win and a draw in their last three matchups, Inter Miami will look to keep their unbeaten run alive against their Eastern Conference rivals.

The Eastern Conference heats up

Heading into the August 15 matchday, the Eastern Conference standings feature a tight battle at the top, with Nashville SC leading the pack with 40 points from 18 matches. Inter Miami remain in hot pursuit right behind them in second place with 38 points, setting up an intense fight for the summit, while the New England Revolution hold third place with 30 points as they look to keep pace with the top two contenders.

What’s next for the Herons?

With the goal of staying firmly in the race at the top of the standings, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami face a challenging stretch of matches. The team cannot afford to drop points if it wants to establish itself at the top of the table.

• at Philadelphia, August 19
• vs Toronto, August 22
• vs Montreal, August 29
• vs Atlanta, September 5

There is also no certainty regarding his availability next Tuesday, August 18, against Al Diriyah in the Saudi King’s Cup. Therefore, CR7 could be expected to return at full fitness on Friday, August 21, against Al Riyadh.

A few days ago, during a press conference, manager Postecoglou revealed that his star player is always available: “Cristiano Ronaldo is always ready.” For this occasion, however, he clearly prefers to give him a little more time to build up his fitness.

After representing Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to his club with a new look and the same energy as always. The goal? To secure back-to-back titles alongside his teammates.

Cristiano Ronaldo eyes historic milestone

Cristiano Ronaldo enters the season with a singular focus: closing the gap on the historic 1,000-career-goal milestone. Sitting at 976 official goals, the Portuguese superstar continues to rely on his relentless work ethic and lethal instincts in front of net as the focal point of his team’s attack.

Defending the Saudi Pro League title

Al-Nassr enter the new Saudi Pro League season determined to defend their title following a championship run in the 2025–26 campaign. That triumph marked Cristiano Ronaldo’s first league title in Saudi Arabia, secured after an impressive domestic run where the team racked up 86 points in 34 matches. As the new tournament gets underway, the Riyadh club will look to maintain its dominance and replicate that success with the Portuguese star leading the charge.

Al Nassr’s attacking firepower

As Ange Postecoglou will look to reshape Al-Nassr‘s attack in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, he boasts a star-studded group of frontline options. João Félix and Sadio Mane will provide premier versatility and creative spark, whether operating through the center or off the wing, while Kingsley Coman offers world-class pace and elite 1v1 threat out wide.

Supported by dynamic talent like Angelo, Postecoglou has no shortage of high-profile firepower to keep the attacking unit fluid and lethal.

“I’ve been very impressed with Malachi and the things that he’s doing. He’s definitely a great young player,” Jameis Winston said to the press. “I just think his hunger, man, coming in day in and day out to get better. He has a great rapport with Jaxson (Dart). Man, he’s curious. He’s curious about what is required to be the best. And I think when you have that mindset, when you focus on what you love, it’s a setup for success.”

Jason Pinnock described him as a “freak athlete”: “Like, if I had to say one glaring thing, is ball skills. He caught a dagger, like a dig, over the middle early, and this was OTAs, and it was like, he was just levitating. I was kind of just waiting for him to come down. So, nah, he’s a freak. Freak athlete.”

What can fields bring to the Giants’ offense?

In his final college season at Notre Dame in 2025, Malachi Fields caught 36 passes for 630 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging a personal-best 17.5 yards per reception. Selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-4, 218-pound receiver brings a imposing physical presence and exceptional contested-catch ability.

Fields gives Jaxson Dart a big-bodied, reliable boundary and red-zone target to complement Malik Nabers, providing Dart with a physical playmaker who can win 50-50 balls downfield and ease his transition into leading the Giants’ offense.

The Giants’ important receiving corps

While they await Malik Nabers’ full recovery and with the additions of talents such as Darnell Mooney and Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants, led by John Harbaugh, have one of the most important receiving corps in the NFC.

“Today, the Yankees transferred the rehab assignment of LHP Carlos Rodon from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to Double-A Somerset,” the team revealed.

Somerset (in Bridgewater, New Jersey) is much closer to New York City and Yankee Stadium than Scranton, so if the medical staff from the major-league team wants to monitor the player in person, it is much more accessible for them.

Rodon gets back up to speed

Carlos Rodon was placed on the 15-day injured list in early July 2026 due to left elbow inflammation. After receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection to address the lingering soreness, Rodon was cleared to begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment in early August.

With his build-up progressing smoothly through rehab starts, he is expected to rejoin the Yankees’ starting rotation by late August 2026. Aaron Boone is also awaiting the returns of not only Cody Bellinger, but also Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.

The Yankees need Rodon

Prior to his injury, Rodon was delivering a strong 2026 campaign for the Bronx Bombers, compiling a 4-2 record with a 3.30 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts over 46.1 innings in 9 starts. His dominant presence from the left side provided crucial stability to the starting rotation, making his return vital as New York pushes toward October.

With the postseason looming, the Yankees desperately need a healthy Rodon to pair alongside their top arms, giving them the frontline pitching depth required to make a deep playoff run and contend for a World Series title.

What’s next for the Yankees?

Starting on August 13, 2026, the New York Yankees finish their home series against the Seattle Mariners before diving into a crucial stretch of AL East divisional matchups. First, they head to Canada for a three-game road series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre (August 14–16).

Next, they remain on the road for a three-game set against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards (August 18–20). Finally, the Yankees return to the Bronx to host the Blue Jays once again in a three-game homestand at Yankee Stadium (August 21–23).

“He gave me little jobs here and there just to make me feel included, and that went a long way,” Howard discussed on Rodgers’ experience from last season. “It definitely helped my confidence just being on the team, even though I wasn’t doing anything physically.”

Howard didn’t take a single snap during his rookie season, but he still made the most of the opportunity to watch A-Rod up close: “The way that he looks at his footwork, everything’s tied through your feet. Your feet are going to tell you where you’re going to throw the ball and how you’re going to throw the ball. In the red zone, chop your feet down, never more than a three-step drop, because everything happens faster.

“On third-and-long plays, where you’re maybe taking a quick five-(step drop) from the gun, cheat up a yard so that you’re not getting out of the tackles’ fan box.” With what could be Rodgers’ final season as a professional player, the future in Steelers Nation appears to be in good hands with Howard and Allar.

Rodgers’ experience paid off

In 2025, Aaron Rodgers enjoyed a highly productive debut season with the Steelers, completing 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. His arrival provided essential leadership and stability under center, leading the team to a 10-6 record and a playoff spot, proving to be a massive success despite an eventual Wild Card round exit against the Houston Texans.

Heading into the 2026 campaign, A-Rod will be one of the quarterbacks available for head coach Mike McCarthy during the preseason as the offense continues to build chemistry. Looking ahead to the exhibition opener against his former team in Green Bay, Rodgers revealed he wanted to play at Lambeau Field to get live reps and set the tone before the regular season begins.

Allar is already looking forward to a season alongside Rodgers

Drew Allar joined Steelers Nation in the latest draft after being selected in the third round with the No. 76 overall pick. There, he met Aaron Rodgers, who quickly began advising him on arm angles for specific throws.

“Aaron’s been great with that, helping me with different arm angles and really more tailoring it to specific throws,” Allar said. “He’s been more than willing to pull me aside, whether it be in meetings or out on the field during drill work to talk me through things. Then, he has me repeat a rep and try it, just to feel what he’s talking about and him also seeing me do it.”

The final piece of the QB room

It’s clear that Rodgers will be the starter in Week 1. However, Mike McCarthy’s dilemma is who will serve as his primary backup. While Drew Allar is further down the pecking order, the debate is mainly between Will Howard and veteran Mason Rudolph, who appears to have a slight edge in the competition.

“It won’t be a ton of time, but for our fans to come out there, they’re going to see Joe, Ja’Marr, and Tee. They’re going to see Dexter,” the head coach said during his press conference. “So, they’ll get a chance to enjoy some of our players there. But how long I keep them out there remains to be seen.”

Three other quarterbacks are waiting for their opportunity behind Burrow this season: veteran Joe Flacco, who joined the team midway through last season; rookie Josh Johnson; and, finally, Sean Clifford.

Burrow aims to stay healthy this time around

During 2025, Joe Burrow suffered a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, requiring surgery to repair torn ligaments in his foot. The injury kept him sidelined for nine games—forcing him to miss Weeks 3 through 12—before he was finally cleared to return to action in Week 13.

Heading into 2026, Burrow will look to stay healthy starting from Week 1 by relying on improved pocket management, quicker pass release times, and stronger protection from his offensive line to minimize unnecessary hits and complete a full 17-game campaign.

The Bengals’ 2026 Preseason games

Joe Burrow and his Bengals kick off their 2026 preseason campaign tonight, August 13, at Paycor Stadium against the Detroit Lions. They will remain at home for their second exhibition game when they host the Chicago Bears on Saturday, August 22, before wrapping up their preseason schedule on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, August 28.

“No, I don’t see Goff playing. Even if we didn’t have a quarterback, Goff’s not playing. We’ll just roll out… I don’t know, give me a name. You know what? We’ll put Tom Kennedy at quarterback,” Campbell said.

“We’ll do that in a heartbeat. He’ll run the whole show for the game. But no, so I don’t see Goff playing. Certainly (Luke) Altmyer is going to take a heavy load and then anybody else we get, we’ll get them up to speed as fast as we can and give them some reps.”

It’s clear that Goff is one of the team’s biggest stars, and he has proven it since joining Detroit in 2021. Preserving his health is key for Campbell to keep him fresh throughout what promises to be a tough NFL season.

New faces in the Lions’ QB room

The Detroit Lions acted swiftly to secure veteran stability in their quarterback room ahead of the new season. They signed Josh Dobbs after Teddy Bridgewater’s retirement, bringing in the experienced 31-year-old journeyman on a one-year deal to serve as the primary backup behind starter Jared Goff.

Known as the “Passtronaut” for his degree in aerospace engineering and his ability to quickly learn complex playbooks, Dobbs provides Detroit with a reliable, intelligent presence under center to keep the offense on track if called upon.

Who will start against Cincinnati?

While there has yet to be any official confirmation from Dan Campbell, the head coach is expected to give both recently acquired Joshua Dobbs and Luke Altmyer a chance to see action throughout the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Upcoming preseason games for Detroit

• at Cincinnati Bengals, Week 1 – August 13
• vs Washington Commanders, Week 2 – August 22
• at Indianapolis Colts, Week 3 – August 29

“I wouldn’t anticipate seeing Drake out there on Thursday,” the head coach said during his press conference. “But that’s all subject to change.” It remains to be seen whether Maye will ultimately get a chance to take a few snaps late in the game or if the Patriots will preserve him for the season ahead.

New England’s QB room may not be particularly star-studded, but it does have options for the occasion. The experienced Tommy DeVito is listed first on the depth chart and will likely get the start, while rookie Behren Morton is currently listed third.

The challenges ahead for New England

The New England Patriots kick off their preseason tonight, August 13, at home against the Indianapolis Colts, followed by a second home game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, August 22. They will conclude their exhibition schedule on the road against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, August 27.

After wrapping up the preseason, the Patriots will officially launch their 2026 regular season away from home in a Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on September 9. The journey begins with a rematch of the most recent Super Bowl.

Maye remains the leader of this team

In 2025, Drake Maye delivered a breakout season for the Patriots, throwing for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions with an impressive 72.0% completion rate and a league-leading 113.5 passer rating. As a newly elected team captain and Pro Bowler, Maye established himself as the undisputed franchise leader, commanding the offense with poise and decision-making beyond his years.

With the offseason additions of dynamic wideouts A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, Maye is poised to elevate his game even further—expanding the team’s downfield threat, improving his efficiency in high-pressure situations, and cementing New England’s status as a legitimate championship contender.

“I think it’s pretty obvious – I don’t want to take any chances with Daniel out there in the preseason right now,” Steichen said on Tuesday via de team’s official website.

That said, Anthony Richardson will take the first snap for the Colts. The rookie Riley Leonard, who currently sits third on the depth chart, is also expected to see some playing time.

Jones’ injury history

During the 2025 NFL season with the Indianapolis Colts, Daniel Jones suffered a career-altering set of injuries. After playing through a broken fibula in late November, Jones suffered a non-contact season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in the first quarter of a Week 14 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in December.

The severe injury required surgery, abruptly ending his standout bounce-back season and forcing him into an extensive offseason rehabilitation process. The former New York Giants quarterback will be available for his team starting in Week 1.

The Colts’ preseason

The Indianapolis Colts will open their preseason on the road against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, followed by two consecutive home games against the Atlanta Falcons on August 22 and the Detroit Lions on August 29. After wrapping up their exhibition slate, the Colts will kick off the regular season at home on September 13 with a Week 1 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens.

“One’s going to start this week, the other’s going to start next week,” Monken said during his press conference. “I would like to see the quarterback play a half and get a two-minute [drive]. We’re going to do everything we can to try to get a two-minute, simulate that before the half. And we’re going to try to do the exact same thing the next week.”

It is clear that the Browns’ QB competition comes down to these two names. It will be a matter of seeing what conclusions Monken ultimately draws after the three preseason games.

The first tests for Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns will tune up for the 2026 campaign with a three-game preseason slate, kicking off on the road against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Saturday, August 15. They will then return home to Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland to host the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, August 22.

Finally, the Browns will wrap up their exhibition schedule at home with a Thursday night clash against the New England Patriots on August 27. The official season opener will be against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road on September 13.

Can the Browns contend in the AFC North?

The Browns enter the 2026 season looking to re-establish themselves as genuine contenders in a brutal AFC North after a frustrating 2025 campaign where they finished last in the division with a 5–12 record. To climb back into contention, Cleveland must address offensive consistency, stabilize their quarterback situation, and maximize an elite defense. The Dawg Pound are aiming to break a two-year postseason drought, having last reached the playoffs in the 2023 season when they earned a Wild Card berth.

Cleveland’s QB room

While the discussion today is primarily focused on whether Watson or Sanders will be Cleveland’s starting quarterback, two other players could eventually get their opportunity. Sophomore Dillon Gabriel sits third on the depth chart, while Taylen Green is listed fourth.

To give them a little more rest, the two players could see some minutes later in the match if necessary. Maghnes Akliouche and Warren Zaïre-Emery will replace them.

This will be Luis Enrique’s starting XI: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Maghnes Akliouche, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

PSG’s fate will be determined by whether they win, draw, or lose against Unai Emery’s side. Aston Villa will also be missing key players, as Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa will not play.

Fighting for another UEFA Super Cup title

Paris Saint-Germain will fight for their second UEFA Super Cup title, looking to add another European trophy to their collection after winning their first back in August 2024. In that historic edition played at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, the newly crowned Champions League winners mounted an agonizing late comeback to draw 2–2 against Tottenham Hotspur before triumphing 4–3 in a tense penalty shootout.

Now returning as the reigning champions of Europe, the French powerhouse aims to duplicate that success and secure another Super Cup for their growing cabinet.

Dembele’s importance to the team

Ousmane Dembele enjoyed an explosive 2025–26 campaign with Paris Saint-Germain, emerging as one of the club’s most dangerous attacking weapons. Across 40 appearances in all competitions, the dynamic winger tallied 20 goals and 11 assists in 2,200 minutes of play.

His impact was felt most heavily on the biggest stages, where he registered 10 goals and 7 assists in 22 Ligue 1 matches, alongside 8 goals and 2 assists in 13 UEFA Champions League appearances to help propel PSG to continental glory.

“He’s playing his tail off right now, and he’s leading us,” the tight end revealed during his press conference. These are not only words of reassurance for Andy Reid, but also for the entire Chiefs Kingdom, who are eager to quickly return to the top of the NFL.

Kelce also made it clear that he still has plenty to give his team at this stage of his career: “I still got a lot of love for this game. You know, I still think I can go out and play at a high level, and I want to go out there and prove to myself that I could play at a better level than I did last year.

“I think that’s probably the biggest thing for me is making sure that I’m accountable for the guys in this room and every single play that I’m out there.”

A dynamic duo to watch

After a complicated 2025 campaign that saw the Kansas City Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce enter the new season determined to recapture their legendary form.

As one of the most iconic quarterback-tight end duos in NFL history, the pair built a dynasty in Kansas City, securing three Super Bowl titles (LIV, LVII, and LVIII) and breaking the all-time NFL postseason record for most playoff touchdown connections by a duo with 16.

Following a year marked by offensive rhythm breakdowns and injury setbacks, the historic duo is focused on resetting the standard, rebuilding their uncanny telepathic connection, and firing the Chiefs back into championship contention.

When will they take the field?

The Kansas City Chiefs will gear up for the upcoming campaign with three 2026 preseason matchups, opening at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, August 15, heading on the road to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, August 22, and closing out exhibition play at Arrowhead Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, August 28.

It remains uncertain whether head coach Andy Reid will give Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce any snaps during these games, as NFL teams frequently rest marquee veterans during the preseason to minimize injury risk ahead of the regular season.

“The plan is to be here for my contract. When I signed up here, it was to be in the good times and bad times and to win,” Lindor said via Mike Puma. The shortstop is looking to quickly bounce back in New York before considering new horizons.

Last in the NL East with a losing record of 53-68 and an interim manager at the helm, the Mets will have to slowly map out their future while trying to finish this disappointing season on a respectable note.

What’s Francisco Lindor’s contract situation?

Francisco Lindor is firmly anchored to the New York Mets through a massive 10-year, $341 million contract extension signed in April 2021. Running through the 2031 season, the deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $34.1 million, making it the richest contract ever awarded to a shortstop and the largest deal in franchise history.

The agreement features a $21 million signing bonus, full no-trade protection, and $50 million in deferred payments structured to be paid out from 2032 through 2041. Settled securely as the core face of the franchise, Lindor remains under contract with no opt-out provisions, guaranteeing his presence in Queens through his mid-30s.

A season full of ups and downs

Francisco Lindor’s season with Mets has been disappointing compared to his usual high standards, heavily disrupted by a severe left calf strain suffered in late April that sidelined him for nearly two months. Having missed over 50 games, the star shortstop has struggled to find consistent rhythm; through mid-August across 63 games (275 plate appearances), he is slashing just .242/.327/.439 with 11 home runs, 30 RBIs, and 36 runs scored.

Though he has shown flashes of heating up recently, the injury setback and extended absence have turned this into one of the most frustrating campaigns of his career.

“They are not here – Konsa, Watkins and Martinez because they finished their season on 19th July and I gave them four weeks to rest, it’s completely necessary,” the manager said via the team’s official website.

In his comments, Emery also mentioned his goalkeeper, as Emiliano Martinez will also miss this match for the same reason. The manager lamented their absences: “Of course, if they were here, maybe we could have more chances.”

Aston Villa’s predicted XI

With new faces such as recently signed Alejandro Garnacho, alongside several of the heroes from that historic final against Freiburg, these are the 11 players Unai Emery would field to face PSG.

Marco Bizot; Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Victor Lindelöf, Matty Cash; João Gomes, Boubacar Kamara; Alejandro Garnacho, Emiliano Buendía, John McGinn; Tammy Abraham.

The absence of Watkins and Konsa

The absence of both Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa severely undermines Aston Villa’s backbone ahead of the Super Cup clash. Missing Watkins deprives Unai Emery’s side of its main focal point in attack, as the striker tallied 19 goals and 5 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions during the 2025–26 season.

Meanwhile, Konsa’s absence leaves a massive void in Villa’s central defense, where the English defender logged over 3,000 minutes as the defensive anchor throughout the campaign. Without their top goalscorer and defensive leader, Villa will face an uphill battle to contain PSG’s dynamic attack while generating enough counter-attacking threat to claim the trophy.

Seeking their second UEFA Super Cup title

Aston Villa enter the 2026 UEFA Super Cup seeking to add a second Super Cup to their continental cabinet, building upon a proud European heritage that began with their famous 1981–82 European Cup triumph and their subsequent 1982 UEFA Super Cup victory over Barcelona.

Following decades of European campaigns—which also included a UEFA Intertoto Cup title in 2001—the Villans reached new heights by claiming the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League. Now boasting four major UEFA honours, Unai Emery’s side aims to further cement its historic international legacy by lifting the trophy once again.

Home of FC Salzburg in the domestic league, it will be the first time in history that this stadium hosts a UEFA club final. The venue has a capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators, and a sellout is expected.

This will be the 14th time this final is played between the UEFA Champions League winners and the UEFA Europa League winners. The 2025 edition was held at Stadio Friuli, home of Udinese, in Udine.

How does PSG come into this match?

Paris Saint-Germain punched their ticket to the 2026 UEFA Super Cup after capturing the UEFA Champions League title in dramatic fashion. The French giants secured their spot in the showdown by defeating Arsenal in a tense penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw through extra time in the 2026 Champions League final.

Aston Villa’s historic title

Aston Villa etched their name into European soccer history by capturing the 2026 UEFA Europa League title in dominant game. The English side claimed the trophy with a resounding 3–0 victory over German club SC Freiburg in the final played at Tüpraş Stadium in Istanbul on May 20, 2026.

The most recent precedent

Prior to their 2026 UEFA Super Cup clash, Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa have met just twice in official European competition, locking horns in the quarter-finals of the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League.

PSG took the first leg 3–1 at the Parc des Princes before Villa pulled off a thrilling 3–2 comeback win at Villa Park in the return leg. Though the English club claimed a memorable home victory, the French giants advanced 5–4 on aggregate, leaving the all-time head-to-head record perfectly balanced at one win apiece.

“Every time a match ended, I waited for and missed your message. That’s when I realized the situation was really serious. Even so, I never stopped thinking about going as far as possible, so I could give you time and let you watch a game,” the forward wrote on his @leomessi account.

“We reached the final, and you couldn’t be there. I wanted to win it for you, to bring it home and show you a new one. I couldn’t. My legs had nothing left. This time, I tried to push through my physical limitations, but I couldn’t. I never felt right.”

Messi’s emotional message highlights the physical toll he endured throughout the 2026 World Cup. That could perhaps prove decisive when it comes to a potential retirement in the near future.

Giving it everything despite his physical limitations

At 39 years old, Lionel Messi turned in a masterclass campaign at the 2026 World Cup, serving as the undisputed catalyst in Argentina‘s run to the championship match. Messi tallied 8 goals and 4 assists across 8 matches, directly contributing to 12 goals.

Though La Albiceleste fell short in a dramatic 1–0 extra-time loss to Spain in the final, Messi’s brilliance, reaffirmed his status as one of the most decisive forces on soccer’s biggest stage.

Will Lionel Messi play for Argentina again?

Argentina will close out the 2026 international calendar with two remaining FIFA match windows: an extended window scheduled from September 21 to October 6, followed by a two-match window running from November 9 to November 17.

As La Albiceleste prepare for these final international test fixtures of the year, all eyes remain on whether Lionel Messi will be present to suit up and feature in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for these upcoming commitments.